NBC NATIONAL NEWS — Silence was indeed golden at the Globes Sunday night.

"The Artist" scored three wins including best musical or comedy, and best actor for Jean Dujardin playing a silent movie actor facing the end of an era.

Also scoring big Sunday night was the film "The Descendants".

The family story set in Hawaii took best drama, and best actor honors for George Clooney.

Meryl Streep's won more at the Globes than anyone, and "The Iron Lady" brought her number eight with her win for best Actress in a drama for playing British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Another real life role, Marilyn Monroe brought Michelle Williams her first Golden Globes win for best actress in a musical or comedy for "My Week with Marilyn".

Another first time winner was Octavia Spencer for best supporting actress for "The Help".

While film veteran Christopher Plummer took best supporting actor honors for "Beginners".

"The Adventures of Tin Tin" brought Steven Spielberg best animated feature, while Martin Scorsese won best director for the family adventure, "Hugo".

On the TV side the conspiracy thriller "Homeland" won best drama and its star Claire Danes, best actress.

Best actor went to Kelsey Grammer for his role as corrupt Chicago mayor in "Boss".

"Modern Family" grabbed kudos for best TV comedy, while Laura Dern took best actress for "Enlightened."

And former Friends star Matt Leblanc took best actor playing an exaggerated variation himself in "Episodes".